I originally posted this question in the Suspension/Handling/Brakes section, but no one has offered any suggestions or opinions. Since BAIC has always been really helpful anytime I've asked for advice in the past, I'm coming to you all for help. Hopefully this doesn't break a site rule about cross-posting or something. Anyway, here's my question:

I've been making use of the search function and couldn't really find a straight answer to this. I'm in need of replacing the stock pads and possibly the rotors on my '06 STI. I know that if I go with factory parts it'll run me a pretty penny, so I was curious as to what some reasonable options were.

The car is my daily driver, pretty much used only for commuting and maybe once a week I'll take it up into the Santa Cruz mountains at a spirited clip for an hour or two. No drag racing, no auto-x, etc. I also just got a set of Falken Azenis RT-615 tires put on it, if that is relevant.

My search yielded the following recommendations:
Pilenga rotors
Hawk HPS pads
Axxis pads

Thing is, the threads I pulled those suggestions from weren't for an STI, so I don't know how applicable they are to my situation.

My friend that manages Safety Check Automotive in Santa Clara is a nut for factory parts, but he offered Centric as an alternative.

Any advice is super appreciated--thanks!

 

Girodisc rotors
Hawk HPS pads

 

where about are you in the bay? There is Speed Element in Fremont if you are near by... Give them a call and they can make some suggestions for you.

 

brembo blanks and Hawk pads.

 

I'm in San Jose... I should probably put that in my profile. I'll check Speed Element, thanks!

 

Pilenga is a great blank replacement and doesnt cost a ton. You can also go with Centric blanks which are a little more expensive, but the fins and center hat has a black coating.

For street I'd go Hawk HPS or Axxis. The Hawks are a little rougher on the rotor, but dont dust. Axxis is a better stopper, but dust a lot.

 

If you are looking for low dust then get the Hawk HPS pads. If you want outright performance for street, daily and spirited driving, get the Axxis Ultimates.

 

+1 for axxis..i like my brake dust, i have cool colored wheels now

 

I liked my axxis pads but I don't know if I'd say they outperformed my HPS plus pads. Did less damage to my rotors.

 

saqwarrior, great post!

I am actually in need of some new pad and I'm wondering the options myself.

Thanks for the info folks

 

I usually go to importrp.com for Brembo blanks and Axxiss Ultimates. Good prices on excellent parts. I run this set-up (along with braided lines) on the street and on track days with no fade issues.

I am not a representative of importrp, for the record.

 

I'm still with stock cuz I got some pads for dirt cheap.

However, my brother likes Carbotech bobcats for daily.

 

+1 for SE. Good prices, local, friendly, what more could you want?

 

Hawk HPS pads.

GiroDisc 2-piece rotors--their rear kit with slightly larger rotors should be ready soon,and I have it on order.

 

I recommend DBA rotors and Works Blue pads.

http://www.worksevo.com/store/produc...roducts_id=413

I have the pads on my STI and they're amazing. Grabby but smooth and don't dust my nice gold wheels.